My thoughts as I walk this path…

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD. 1 Kings 12:24

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise , and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from ME.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye” (Zech.2:8).You are very precious in my sight (Isaiah 43:4). Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not under-stand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances, Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Philippians 4:19). I would have you prove My promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait,” Some of My greatest workers are those shut of from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil.
Make use of it free, My child,
Let every circumstance that arises,
every word that pains you,
every interruption that would make you impatient,
every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it.
The sting will do as you learn to see Me in all things.
Laura A. Barter Snow

I love the thought of anointing all situations in my life with His holy oil, consecrating them to His use through me. I’m not too good at this; often I get too involved to stop, step back and ask for God’s grace and strength, but I’ll continue to try. Maybe a little oil can on my desk would be a good reminder.